Stay-cationing for Labor Day: 'This was my little escape from it all'

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EUGENE, Ore. -- While plenty of people piled into their cars or campers for a Labor Day weekend getaway, some found that the Eugene/Springfield area provided everything you need for a stay-cation.

AAA estimates that 34 million people will be driving out of town for a Labor Day vacation. Our news team caught up with a few local residents who decided to stay close and enjoy all the outdoor activities that the area has to offer.

People could be found boating or fishing along the local waterways like the McKenzie, Willamette and Eugene's Millrace.

"Really most of the fun is here in Eugene … it's definitely a getaway!" said canoer Kylie Scallion.

Ryan Allen with Northwest Canoe Tour said one family traded a camping trip for a day out on the Millrace.

"They decided they didn't want to do the drive or spend the money on gas, and they just came down here and did you know, an hour and a half in the canoe and kayak, and had a good time locally,” Allen said.

Hikers like Kelsey Hoard and Leslye Laxton found that Spencer Butte provided a mix of shade and sun for a comfortable day trip on the warm holiday weekend.

"Just right outside your back door you have a beautiful place to hike," said Laxton. "It's peaceful and you get to exercise."

Hoard added, "Later I'm going to go to work - but this was my little escape from it all.”

Pictures from our front porch of the Stout Fire from Sutherlin on the evening of July 30, 2015. Later in the evening after the moon rise, the effect of the smoke from the fires in Douglas County on the moon.